My HID bulb replacement on my 06 prius

So I just finished replacing two HID bulbs on my 2006 Prius, touring model. In reality, the only piece I needed to remove was the fuse box cover. Full disclosure: I'm about 5'6", not too heavy (tho I'm a good 30 lbs over my 18-year-old weight), and probably had that advantage (it also comes in handy when I fly). I simply twisted off the covers (don't use tools or try tapping on the fins with something) about 2 inches counterclockwise, slide them aside, twist off the silver plugs (I used a small mirror on the end of an extending rod to view the wire bails), pulled free and released each side of the bail, then pulled the light straight out. Be sure to note the position of the two indents on the bulb's flange, to make it easier to place the new bulb straight in. I didn't need to remove any other part, except for some wiring sockets on the passenger side.

It took about 30 minutes. If I did it again today, it might take 15.

Good luck!

 

Update, 7/25/17: One of the lights was inserted cocked, so I took it out and straightened it. I had forgotten to mention above that on the passenger side, I removed the air intake vent to allow better access to the cover. I popped the plastic clip on the passenger side, popped the vent clip, removed the vent, rotated the cover to open it, straightened the bulb, and replaced everything. Probably took five minutes.

 

Hey Alan, I'm wondering roughly how long these fixes worked for you, and also if you ever got your ballast replaced (I've read elsewhere that this could be the root issue, and that's what my mechanic is advising we target). I've got an '09 with the passenger side HID failing, and would definitely rather avoid/postpone replacing the ballast if that's a relatively sustainable option by just replacing bulbs.

@R3PB I'd also be curious to hear how your '06 replacements held up back in the day, since you were the last to post about some success

Thanks!